Thuringia is full of surprises. On a rainy day we were traveling to a meeting and passed through Tabarz and discovered the "Tabbs" a health spa. We liked what we saw and decided to come back and stay a whole day.

The "Tabbs" in Tabarz

This time we kept our promise and came back when a heat wave was in full swing. Fortunately our little rental car a Citroen had air conditioning and we were not too exhausted despite the fact that we got lost on the roads.
So please purchase a good map of Thuringia or rent a car with GPS.

The entrance area -
after we told who we are we got our free tickets without any time limitation

When we saw the entrance area of the "Tabbs" we were surprised that such a small village as Tabarz had such an attractive facility which offers besides health treatments also lots of fun.
We had contacted the tourist office of Tabarz before and were very pleased about the fast and extensive response in German which we had received by e-mail.
In return for a free web site no entrance would be charged for both of us.
br>We have borrowed the following plan from the original German web site to give you a brief overview what to expect. All essential facilities are on the ground floor unless you want to use the water slides or go tanning.
Please familiarize you with all the facilities before you enjoy the "Tabbs". This plan of the "Tabbs" shows all of them except some of the cold water outdoor pools. We did that to after a brief dip in the main pool.

Other places who did not should learn from Tabarz!
Many did, but not all. For that reason you will not find those places in our travel guide!
We were really pleased about this treatment from the management of the "Tabbs" and the mayor of Tabarz.

The main indoor pool

The sun flooded pool area was a big surprise for us. All other spas which we have visited did not have a transparent roof.
We liked it immediately and it took us only a few minutes until we were in the warm and crystal clear water.
Elizabeth who shivers very easily did not feel uncomfortable once.
After we the first short dip we both explored the complete spa area.
We loved what we found. We were amazed about all the outdoor facilities which were a great attraction on this hot and sunny day.
We reached it by swimming and walking through the access channel. The access through the warm pool water to the outdoor pool is a great feature in winter or when it s raining. Many spas provide this convenience.

Easy access by stairs. In the background you see the direct access to one outdoor pool.

One of the whirlpools

We did not take any pictures in the sauna because nobody wears any bathing suits and we respect the privacy of the users. For that reason we asked for pictures suitable for the public.

The entrance to the sauna area. You have access by using your key with an electronic chip.

Many thanks to the "Tabbs" for this image

Many thanks to the "Tabbs" for this image

We decided that we must not stick together all the time. Elizabeth liked to get tanned in the sun, I always prefer to be out of it.
Because of the huge size of the spa and it was also on a work day it was pleasant that it was not over crowded with people. It was also very quiet. No blasting radios or TV's not screaming and yelling. The kids were kids without fighting each other or making excessive noise. No littering. It was a very relaxing afternoon.
I talked to the very friendly "Bademeister". He is responsible for good behavior of all guests and takes care when help is needed. He told me about all the courses which are offered and the different treatments for beauty and health. It is an almost never ending list. Starting with normal massages up to different kind of treatments with oils algae etc. If you are interested just ask for the actual treatments being offered.

Everything nice and clean

The heated outdoor pool

The outdoor area and the water slides

Elizabeth coming down one the water slide!

I am still looking to find such a place in Ontario

The cows had a good time too

After staying quiet a while outside I felt the urge for ice cream.
I got a really delicious one at the "Bistro".
I am not sure wether smoking is banned in the "Tabbs" today. If not it should be. Luckily I did not see any smokers. I am aware that the government wants finally to follow other counties in banning smoking in many places. But each party is afraid to lose voters and the restaurants to loose customers. I always ask them why do you not allow your guests to bring their own drinks or food but cigarettes? People should spend their money in your place and if they do not smoke they have more to spend.
After having enjoyed the ice cream I decided to have more exercises. I went back to the main pool and went toe the &quot:Strömungskanal" where a strong jet pushed me through the channel. It is just wide enough to spread your arms which allows you to swim against the strong current.

The "Bistro" where you can buy drinks and snacks

The children's pool

Here are the kids!

Here is Elizabeth swimming numerous laps

The so called "Sole-Therapiebecken" which is filled with salt water. The temperature is 36° C. Special therapies are offered. You must book that extra.

A little one is learning to swim. Did you know that you can get special water tight diapers? I did not and we will check availability in Canada.

A view from upstairs were the tanning equipment is located

Watch the video: Impressions of the Gotha Region, Thuringia, slideshow